The Use of Minoxidil to Prevent Alopecia During Chemotherapy for Gynecologic Malignancies

This pilot study tested the effect of 2% Minoxidil on preventing hair loss during chemotherapy for gynecologic cancers in 10 women. Each participant served as her own control, with only part of the scalp treated. Four patients were unevaluable due to non-compliance. Among the six evaluable patients, five experienced significant hair loss within four weeks of starting chemotherapy, while one had no hair loss in either treated or untreated areas. The study concluded that 2% Minoxidil was non-toxic but ineffective in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia.